A Soft Bed for Night
Returning inside from the garden as darkness settled, I climbed up the woven knit throw resting on the corner of the sofa. A smooth velvet cushion lay propped against the armrest, its surface deeply creased. Tucking my star wand securely into the crook of my arm, I pressed both hands against a loose fold of the velvet, smoothing out the rumpled fabric until it formed a shallow, rounded nest. I stepped inside the hollow and sat down, leaning my back against the soft rim. The dim glow of the evening room settled quietly around me, and I finally let my arms rest.

